The call for consolidation and cut backs in the international aerospace industry calendar runs counter to the response experienced by Kallman Worldwide, which has co-ordinated the biggest US pavilion at Farnborough this year, and reports equally strong demand for the collective American presence at Le Bourget next year.

Confirmation of the specialist exhibition support company's co-ordination of the American participation at Paris came at Farnborough this week, where the Waldwick, New Jersey-based business, is looking after the interests of 164 companies, which is more than half of all the US companies at the show.

Company CEO, Tom Kallman, admitted there was a "hunkering down" reaction by US companies in the wake of the 11 September attacks, which has since dissipated and translated into a positive commitment to get back on the international air show calendar, both for experienced exhibitors and new-to-market companies, represented here.

He commented: "There has been a tendency to politicise events, for various reasons, in an either positive or negative manner, but the indications we get from our customers is that it ultimately comes down to the business opportunities which trade shows still provide. It's all about buyers and sellers getting together."

"It's also still the most cost-effective way to meet key contacts from all over the world in a single location. Kallman is committed to keeping the exercise as cost-effective as possible for its clients, pointed out aerospace programme manager, Jacqueline Illonardo, with the economies of scale available from pooled business centre resources at the US International Pavilion, and a new shared chalet concept.

Resources

Illonardo added: "Participants are able to book both office and hospitality resources suited to their needs, providing them with a quality attendance at the show." Kallman is coordinating American exhibitors presence at more than a dozen aerospace and defence events all over the world, and in the midst of calls - particularly from the US industry - for refinements at events worldwide, Tom Kallman says two watchwords have emerged.

"It comes down to choice and service. Our clients want to feel they have options on services they require, which will come with a service quality approach. That's what will keep the companies coming back to shows."

HUGH MCATEAR

 

Source: Flight Daily News